Journalistic Scandal at USA Today - 2004-01-09

A journalistic scandal has struck USA Today, following the New York Times incident. The British newspaper The Guardian reports that a veteran American journalist has resigned due to accusations of providing false and fabricated reports. According to the report, Jack Kelly, a well-known figure in American journalism and the 2002 Pulitzer Prize winner, is accused of having produced false reports multiple times during his twenty-one years of service at USA Today. The Guardian refers to him as the second Jason Blair of America, stating, 'After the major scandal at the New York Times, this is the second time American journalism will tremble.' Karen Jurgensen, editor of USA Today, stated, 'Following a thorough investigation by the newspaper's inspectors, violations by Jack Kelly were observed that are unforgivable, and therefore the newspaper's officials asked him to resign.' The Guardian noted that it is still unclear which false report or reports Jack Kelly submitted to the newspaper and whether he committed any other mistakes besides this violation. Last year, following the major scandal of Jason Blair, the New York Times was forced to dedicate many pages to correcting his false reports, but Jack Kelly himself told The Washington Post that USA Today does not intend to do the same. He confirmed that complaints regarding some of his reports had reached the newspaper, prompting them to investigate. However, Kelly refrained from stating the number of false reports and said that if necessary, USA Today would publish everything. According to the Jam-e Jam Online website and citing The Guardian, it is reported that USA Today officials have no intention of disclosing the false reports as they believe it would ruin the twenty-one-year reputation of this journalist. Jack Kelly began his collaboration as a foreign correspondent with the high-circulation USA Today in 1982. He produced good reports for USA Today during those years and gradually increased his fame. He has spent most of the past two decades reporting from the Middle East. Significant events he has reported on include the Gulf War, the First and Second Intifadas, the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Chechnya, and the invasion of Haiti. He has reported from 86 countries and interviewed 36 presidents and senior officials of these countries. USA Today confirmed Jack Kelly's resignation in a brief note and expressed regret. The Washington Post also briefly referred to this news, mentioning Jack Kelly as a professional journalist.